My wife was kind of a ghost writer in her previous job, as executive assistant to the president of a local university. Someone else was tasked with writing speeches for the president, but Deb looked at them first (because that’s what exec assistants do) and was unimpressed. So she penciled in suggestions. That her boss liked. After that happened a couple times, the president told her to “do her Deb thing” before even looking at a draft. When the nominal speech writer moved on, Deb did all the speeches from scratch; when the president was asked to do a monthly column for the local paper, Deb did those too. When Dr. McNairy (the president) retired, she made sure her successor knew what he was getting in his executive assistant. 😊
She was starting from scratch... that's completely ghost writer. She let the new guy know she was his ace up his sleeve and he didn't have to have a brain of his own. I hope that paid VERY well.
It paid very nicely, Kate, especially when health insurance and pension factor in. I usually had bigger take-home pay (with bonuses), but Deb carried both of us on her insurance.
Reciprocity— so wrapped up in her own world she forgot there was a person who she was sharing with, I love this story because it brings to light the truth of so many people in our post Covid world❣️
Hmmmnnnn…. Both stories are about people who are/were unseen… From my readings and personal experience too many people feel this way. Especially women and minorities. Your words evoked the emotions in me…. And empathy.
You are absolutely right, Wade, and I hadn’t thought of it. After mulling over your comment, I went back in and changed the post title and the lead photo! Thank you.
Oooo, I loved these, especially that second piece, Anticlimax. Sometimes it feels like a ghost when your own name is on the cover. And the money doesn't really fill the hole.
Since learning from YOU, Justin, that 50-word stories are a "thing", I think I have posted more than 50 of them. I love these short forms and I have learned to revise, revise, revise. They don't always hit the mark, but the process is always engrossing!
My wife was kind of a ghost writer in her previous job, as executive assistant to the president of a local university. Someone else was tasked with writing speeches for the president, but Deb looked at them first (because that’s what exec assistants do) and was unimpressed. So she penciled in suggestions. That her boss liked. After that happened a couple times, the president told her to “do her Deb thing” before even looking at a draft. When the nominal speech writer moved on, Deb did all the speeches from scratch; when the president was asked to do a monthly column for the local paper, Deb did those too. When Dr. McNairy (the president) retired, she made sure her successor knew what he was getting in his executive assistant. 😊
Great story, Jack! Thanks for sharing this. Very interesting.
Thanks, Sharon! I think my wife is pretty cool! 💚
Well... it's a good thing she is!
She was starting from scratch... that's completely ghost writer. She let the new guy know she was his ace up his sleeve and he didn't have to have a brain of his own. I hope that paid VERY well.
It paid very nicely, Kate, especially when health insurance and pension factor in. I usually had bigger take-home pay (with bonuses), but Deb carried both of us on her insurance.
Two very good little segments!
Thanks. Linda. After further consideration, I revised the title of the post and found a better photo. It makes more sense now, I think.
Reciprocity— so wrapped up in her own world she forgot there was a person who she was sharing with, I love this story because it brings to light the truth of so many people in our post Covid world❣️
You bet! After so many months of isolation, some of us could not shut up! I remember it well.
Hmmmnnnn…. Both stories are about people who are/were unseen… From my readings and personal experience too many people feel this way. Especially women and minorities. Your words evoked the emotions in me…. And empathy.
You are absolutely right, Wade, and I hadn’t thought of it. After mulling over your comment, I went back in and changed the post title and the lead photo! Thank you.
Oooo, I loved these, especially that second piece, Anticlimax. Sometimes it feels like a ghost when your own name is on the cover. And the money doesn't really fill the hole.
I wonder how much some one would have to pay me to write anonymously. An interesting self assessment…hmmm?
True. You'd have to become thoroughly detached from thoughts of fame and fortune.
Maybe she didn't want a second date. I imagine this is how most ghost writers feel. As always, your prose is a delight to read, Sharron.
Maybe she didn't want a second date. I imagine this is how most ghost writers feel. As always, your prose is a delight to read, Sharron.
I never thought of that. Maybe she was desperate to be heard and that was the extent of it. Thanks for the kind words, Mr. K
I couldn't do the Ghost Writer thing. I want the credit! Unless the contract was for two million dollars. Then, I could live with it. 🤣
👍🏻
Very clever! You're much more clever than me --- who just bombed word finder.
First dates can be torture, unless you’re with “the one.”
When you know you know. Ask CJ O'Hare! He knows about love at first sight.
First Date: so true of so many people nowadays.
🌿🩷
I have been ghost writing for years and thank goodness it pays the bills...but never would I for a book...I know her pain!
I’d love to see you write a post on this kind of writing.
Challenge accepted!
Yes, they may have gotten off on the wrong foot. Hope she was just nervous cause she likes him.
Maybe the ghost writer's "invisibility" is equal to the "author's" knowledge that he didn't write the book.
Good thinking! jealousy vs guilt?
Both very good. Thank you. Sharron🥰
I am glad you liked them, Yael, and I always appreciate your comments.
I've always been afraid to try ghost writing for that very reason. Don't think my pride/ego could take it. 😉
You’ve written so many gems, Sharron. I love rereading them and experiencing them all over again. 💜
Since learning from YOU, Justin, that 50-word stories are a "thing", I think I have posted more than 50 of them. I love these short forms and I have learned to revise, revise, revise. They don't always hit the mark, but the process is always engrossing!